4 comments about Unleashing the Velcro Dog - Training Your Agility Dog to Love Working at a Distance.

1. I run agility with my dog, Katy, and she is a l00 times faster than I am. I am really holding her back by trying to run with her. This book is an easy read with great directions and with a little practice, I am sure Katy will happily be running much faster "at a distance" from her pokey handler.



2. The book delivers as promises, brilliant graphics and easy to understand course design drawings. The explanations also make good sense and is easy to understand, but I'd rate this book for someone at the intermediate level. It isn't too difficult, and I am assuming that the author intended it as a guide for someone who has started agility training.



3. Jane Simmons-Moake does it again! This great training guide is a must for serious competitors and weekend warriors alike. Easy to follow, easy to read with extremely detailed instructions, this book guides even the relatively unexperienced trainer from the basics of distances work right through the upper levels of competition.
   
   The illustrations are extremely detailed and provide excellent visual additions to the written explanations. Jane not only takes you through the basics, but explains how to troubleshoot each section should things go wrong and always gives suggestions for adding difficulty once your dog has mastered the basics.
   
   Most of the exercises Jane has devised are simple enough to fit in a moderately sized back yard and require a minimum number of obstacles. The book makes a wonderful training partner for those who train alone with a limited amount of equipment and space. The amazing number of variations of each sequence allows you to set up one exercise at the begining of the week and work for several days before having to reposition obstacles.
   
   It's just simply a "got to have" for agility trainers every where!
   



4. I really love this book!
   This excellent-quality, sizable work takes you from the all-important foundation skills for distance training all the way through to mastering huge distance challenges. The explanations are clear and logical throughout. I especially like that the author includes valuable advice about what to do if you encounter problems along the way. So many dog training books leave out this important information.
   I also really like the format of this book. The relatively large 7-1/2" x 10" format allows for easy-to-read illustrations to be near the supporting text. Though it is a hardcover (which I greatly prefer over spiral-bound books because of their permanence), the book remains flat when opened to a page during my training sessions.
   Jane Simmons-Moake has another winner with this book! If you've ever seen her dogs and her students' dogs compete, you know how successful she is at getting dogs to work very quickly and enthusiastically at a distance. Every agility enthusiast needs this book in his or her training library!
   
   topdog;

5 comments about The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog of Destiny.

1. Beautiful book with wonderful, accurate information regarding the breed. The photos depict the breed with great accuracy.



2. If you enjoy the BMD breed, this book is a must have. The photos capture the beauty and personality of the Berner much beter than other books that I have seen about the breed.



3. This book sets the standard of "compleatness" on the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is way beyond that of just a typical guidebook. Bernd Guenther has left, proverbially, no stone unturned here. The author's breadth of research, resources, insights, and details are on a level of the highest competence as to be priceless; this kind of preliminary (for the new and even seasoned owner) information cannot be overestimated.
   But it's more than just an information book for breeders and owners; you are made to completely inhabit the world of this legendary, mythological breed. Guenther takes you on a delightful life-guide of several Berners, noting distinct personality traits, whimsical anecdotes, and a good deal of sharp-viewed observations. Without ever being heavy-handed, Guenther takes the reader onto a serious study of the breed. As he makes clear, this is an extraordinary dog, one that needs like considerations. No prospective Berner owner should be without this book, as the author has the kind of sagacity and knowledge that was gleaned as a true lover and connoisseur of not just his own dogs, but for the breed in general. Indeed, some of the information is not to be taken lightly, especially genetic problems, and some tough sacrifices one must potentially make. And - this is a good thing - the book will either make you say a firm "yes" or "no" when considering bringing a Berner into your life. On the one hand, this beautiful, loyal, human-like dog may have you on the phone tomorrow looking for one; on the other, the responsibilities can be made to seem overwhelming - be prepared to GIVE UP your life BB (Before Berner) as you have known it! You cannot get any dog as if you would a piece of furniture, but with Berners, there are absolutely no options: the dog has to be a total part of your family, your life. Guenther makes clear as to what adoption of a Berner entails. Freedom will be limited. Berners are not for jet travelers or workaholics. After reading Guenther's precise requirements, a prospective owner will be made to realize the exacting responsibilities involved. Berners are frighteningly intuitive creatures, and to compromise the existence of them would be sheer misery for them.
   
   Crowning this achievement are the astonishing photos; they will literally make you gasp. Some will bring tears to your eyes. You will see why this breed is the King of Dogs: their physical magnificence is almost unreal. Perhaps the most fascinating set are of one dog, captured from the time of near birth, from every few months, and then to yearly intervals, to near the end of its life.
   
   This is more than just a book: it is an incredible generosity of spirit. Don't even THINK of bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home without it.



4. The Bernese Mountain Dog: A Dog Of Destiny by Bernd Guenter (a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and the World Dog Press Association) is so much more than just a simple coffeetable book of wonderful photographs showcasing a specialized canine breed. The superbly presented and "user friendly" text commences with an introduction and history of the breed, then addresses the "Bernese Mountain Dog Standard". Then their are entire chapters devoted to puppyhood, the adolescent Berner, the adult Berner, showing the Berne (European Style), breeding the Berner, and health issues (including veterinarian selection, vaccinations, deworming, experternal parasites, and specific health problems affecting the breed). Enhanced with appendices for Breed Standards; Useful Addresses; Bibliography; and List of Abbreviations, The Bernese Mountain Dog is comprehensive, exceptionally well written, superbly illustrated throughout, and a "must" addition for the reading list and reference shelf for anyone who's canine companion is the Bernese mountain dog.



5. Every photograph in Bernd's book is literally a work of art. The detail in the photographs and the background scenery just takes your breath away. I especially love the photographs in "The Berner Circle of Life" on pages 134 through 141. Bernd chronicles the life of a newborn berner through his senior years. He has posed the Berner in the same stance from ages 5 weeks through 9 years. It is fascinating to see the progression from a young puppy, to a gangly teenager, to a full grown adult male who is absolutely gorgeous!!

   It is not just the photographs that make this book a "must have" for every Berner person and for those who are seeking information about Berners; the text is also excellent. Bernd Guenter is from Germany and his command of the English language is absolutely amazing!! This fantastic book is full of great
   information about the breed - you can tell that Bernd has lived with Berners and has been around Berners and their people for many years and from many countries. He is able to take his knowledge of Berners and turn it into a most informative and delightful book that is easy to read.

   You will find yourself shaking your head in agreement, laughing at the antics of the Berners, gaining a lot of knowledge about Berners and staying up late at night to finish just one more chapter. It a book that you will treasure forever.

   THANK YOU, BERND, for writing and photographing such a lovely coffee table book about our Berners!!!!!!

2 comments about The History And Management Of The Mastiff.

1. Words cannot explain how great this book is. It goes back and tells you about the great Mastiffs of the past, how they were bred, and how modern Mastiffs came to be. The photos alone are a marvel. This is a treasure that never should have been put out of print. It is the kind of book that Mastiff lovers and breeders will be reading forever.



2. Another wonderful book by the foremost authority on an ancient & noble breed. Well worth reading to learn everything from the Mastiffs history to raising your own dog today.

No comments about Poodles For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1 comments about Mastering Variable Surface Tracking: The Component Training Approach (BK & WKBK edition).

1. Ed Presnall does a wonderful job in this book. Undeniably one of the leading experts in AKC VST tests, Mr. Presnall has put his extensive experience into text. His component training approach is logical and easy to follow from beginner, through the TD, to the VST and including the TDX as well as adaptable for those seeking to do SAR work.

3 comments about The Essential German Shepherd Dog (The Essential Guides).

1. The essential German Shepherd book: This is the book every person should read before getting a German Shepherd! The absolute cornerstone and beginning place for whatever direction you want to take with you dog, be it Schutzhund, Showing, Family Pet and how to be a responsible German Shepherd Dog owner. If you want to specialize in any of these then buy other books but this one informs you about the history, breed standard, puppy selecting, basic training that all dogs should have and even what health problems the breed has. This is THE manual for the German Shepherd Breed.



2. Although this book is a little more German Shepherd specific than The German Shepherd Dog by Hegewald & Kawich, it's still rather basic dog information. It does however, go into a little more depth about training the German Shepherd which is why I kept this book



3. Breed books can get boring, but not this one! Lots of great photos and accurate info.

5 comments about The Dog Trainer's Resource: The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection.

1. This book is titled as being for "dog trainers" but is actually geared toward people who are instructing others in dog training. Some good articles, especially one by Jodi Binstead on Bach's ideas on how breeders should raise puppies. Also some good articles on shelter dogs by Sue Sternburg, but her books are more up to date and thorough. If you have a business you may find this book of use, otherwise your money is probably better spent elsewhere -- though there is that excellent acticle on puppies to consider.



2. I am really enjoying this book. It's chock full of good information for Dog Trainers!!



3. I found this collection of articles by experts to be extremely valuable. It covers the scientific aspects of animal learning and discusses the many approaches to training and running businesses related to pet training. Worth its weight in gold.



4. Editor Mychelle Blake has done an excellent job of assembling a variety of articles that contain information that is valuable to dog trainers at all levels of experience. The book is nicely organized, divided into sections by topic. Each topic boasts a variety of articles, some more philosophical, some more "hands on." For example, the section titled "Dog Behavior, Training and Modification" contains both a thoughtful article by Dr. Ian Dunbar on the eight criteria for effectively using punishment, along with "Assessing the Alpha Roll" by Terry Ryan; it also contains an article by Emily Keegans that offers concrete suggestions for environmental enrichment.
   
   It is a testament to the wide scope of experience of the authors (as well as the good judgment of the editor) that articles are included that might be outside the average trainer's educational sphere. For example, an article by Dan McNally discusses protection trained dogs, while Jim Barry suggests positive methods for training hunting/retrievers. I found both of these articles fascinating. There is much "how to" to be found in the section on class tips and curriculum, and an entire section devoted to working with shelter dogs. The section on the business aspects of dog training is something that every trainer should read.
   
   All things considered, this book is a great educational value and one that should be on the shelf of all current and aspiring trainers.
   - Nicole Wilde, author So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (2nd edition) and Help for Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears



5. I'm not an APDT member but I have seen a few of the articles posted
   elsewhere. This is a collection of their 'keepers' in print form.
   Mycelle Blake is the editor of the book.
   
   I found the book interesting but kept having the one reoccuring
   thought - were the authors checked before the article was put in the
   book if their thoughts had changed in any way from their original
   article? I know that permission to print them in this format had to
   have been obtained so contact with each had to occur. Not every
   article needed something along these lines. The other thought that
   comes to mind is when would you draw the line to say 'check to see if
   they still feel this way?' Some of the articles go back to 2000 but
   there are one or two as current as 2006.
   
   For example, is Trish King still using abandonment training in
   dealing with dog-dog aggression? p. 127 "Dog-Dog Aggression and
   Abandonment Training, July/August 2002. After using it for a while
   has she changed her thoughts on using it or its effectiveness in
   dealing with dog-dog training?
   
   Or another example, is Joan Guertin still usin a "levels" class
   system? 'The "Levels" System: Adavance-at-Your-Own-Pace Classes" by
   Terry Ryan and Joan Guertin, September/October 2003.
   
   One article really popped out at me - "Recognizing Multiple, Related
   Diagnoses for Treatment Success" by Karen Overall September/October
   2003. The article went into discussion about thunderstorm phobia,
   noise phobia and separation anxiety.
   
   There were several other articles I found interesting, these are just
   examples of what came to my mind.

5 comments about Puppy Kisses are Good for the Soul (& Other Important Lessons You & Your Dog Can Teach Each Other).

1. I rarely write book reviews. But I felt compelled to write this one when I reread parts of this book last night after having bought it seven years ago! I purchased the book about a year before I adopted my first Corgi. She was 9 years old at the time. And she's two months shy of her 15th birthday today. She's added so much to my life. This book was written with a great dose of love and practicality. Written in two parts, the first half is an autobiographical story about the relationship between a man and his dog. The second half offers smart training tips for any dog owner. Corgi lovers will find this story especially endearing.



2. This is not just a book for Corgi owners (although if you are one, you will see your dog in Annie) but for everyone who has ever owned, loved or wanted a dog of any breed(s). For the new puppy owner, it is an absolute must. As "two books in one" Puppy Kisses is half puppy-training manual and half dog story. Although the puppy-training leaks into the story, and dog story leaks into the training, Puppy Kisses is laid out beautifully and is easy to read and entertaining. I would not want to "break in" a new puppy without this book!



3. Mailorder Annie teaches us all a little bit about love. If you've ever owned a dog, you probably know what a "heart dog" is. Each of us probably has one. Annie was Howard's, Molly was mine.
   
   The book is a wonderful romp through the life and times of a dog and her people. It's also a must for not only potential Corgi owners but any potential dog owner. While of great value for the dog owner, the true value is to those of you considering a dog. This will tell you if a dog is right for you.
   
   And it will tell you if a Corgi is right for you. Corgis are a tough breed and you really have to be up to the challenges. We like to say that ours are "too smart for our own good" and that we're "out numbered, two to two"



4. Wonderful book with many common sense tips for the new dog owner, but do be prepared with tissues as it will make you cry. It will make you laugh as well though. I wish I had bought this book before I got my puppy



5. This item arrived quickly and in perfect condition. It has been a great joy to read and the photos are enchanting. A must read for every corgi lover!!!

5 comments about How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong: A Road Map for Rehabilitating Aggressive Dogs.

1. I have a human-aggressive dog and with this book, I have already seen a huge difference! This book is great for a human and/or dog-aggressive dog.
   
   This book covers: the causes of aggression, how to prevent aggression, foundation behaviors and designing desensitization program. It also provides information on controlling your dog in a variety of settings such as: walking on a trail, getting safely into the vet's office, having someone touch dog, guests coming to the door, people/dogs walking past your window, and driving in the car. This book also provides a log sheet for you to record progress.
   
   Also, I saw a review saying if your dog lunges at people, this book isn't for you. I completely disagree. The key is to start the dog far enough away from people so he doesn't react and this is covered in the book.
   
   Overall this is a great book for a dog at any level of aggression. It starts you out with people very far away for a highly reactive dog and takes you step-by-step to how to let someone get near and even pet the dog when you advance. I believe that with this book, as long as you read it carefully and put in the practice time, eventually your dog can be rehabilitated!



2. This book was very well written and had a lot of information about re-training aggressive dogs. I purchased the book because I have a leash reactive dog and wanted to try something different than what I know, and this book sounded promising. This is where the disapointment comes in. Well it does tell the reader a lot about aggression and how to re-condition your dog to realize other dogs equal good things not bad things, it says nothing about how to stop your dog from reacting in the first place. All it says is not to let your dog practice the behavior, basically by avoiding what sets them off which is very hard to do when you live in an apartment and can't AVOID the stimuli, i.e.: other dogs, as the author says to do. If it had more information on how to stop your dogs reaction, aside from turning and walking away, walking the other direction, which is not practical when you have a 100 pound German Shepherd mix on the leash, it would have been more help to me, but overall it wasn't much help. For readers who's dogs just get aggressive if a dog gets too close, this would be a good book, but if your dog is lungeing and barking at just the sight of another dog, it's just a waste of money and your money would be better spent on a trainer.



3. It took the author 4 YEARS to rehabilitate her dog using her method, and its easy to understand why. Nowhere in this book are you taught how to nurture trust and respect from your dog. The advice on training specific commands is worth reading, but probably not what most people that buy this book are looking for. The books I bought after reading this one were so much better. I would highly recommend the books by Patricia McConnell instead. Her 'How to be a Pack Leader' booklet is awesome and sets the stage for success with her other books, Feisty Fido and the Cautious Canine.



4. This is a no nonsense concise guide for training and rehabilitating an agressive dog and also their owner. Pam Dennison gives precise step by step positive training techniques that will create a lasting bond between human and dog. It is a must read for the agressive dog owner, but is also common sense training for any dog owner. Her use of positive reinforcement of good behavior rather than punishment for bad will make many dogs' lives happier. Her suggestion to keep a daily log of training is a great tool and she supplies a template. I've already seen great results using her techniques with both my dogs. This is a must read for all dog lovers, easy to read, and full of valuable information and insight.



5. A useful book with straight forward explanations about "aggressive" emotions in dogs. A humane approach to management of these dogs and also helpful ideas to prevent people from making the situation worse and aggravating the anxious animal. A good book for new pet owners who find
   dog handling to be more hazardous than anticipated.

1 comments about How Smart Is Your Dog?: 30 Fun Science Activities with Your Pet.

1. This book is great! It has all sorts of facts about how the dog's body and mind works. It has experiments that could be used for science fair projects or just for fun at home. The dogs have fun too! It would be a great book for any young person who wanted to understand their pet more, and especially for any aspiring veterinarian! The information in it is very informative for both children and adults.